Stay safe, well and independent at home

There are different ways to stay safe, well and independent at home so that you can do day to day things like getting washed and dressed, getting up and down stairs, or in and out of your front door.

Specialist equipment

You can find out what equipment would make your life easier by using a website called 'AskSARA'.

The website will ask you a few questions and then suggest equipment that could help you. AskSARA also shows you where you can buy the equipment.

Find equipment online - AskSARA

You can also find companies who you can purchase equipment from on Sunderland Information Point (opens new window).

Sunderland Care and Support's Community Equipment Service (opens new window) supplies and fits equipment and minor adaptations to help children and adults with disabilities to live safely and independently at home.

Equipment is free of charge and provided on a long-term loan basis following an assessment from a nurse, occupational therapist, or physiotherapist.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology is being used throughout Sunderland to manage aspects of people's care, health and wellbeing. It's becoming an increasing part of everyday life because it is so accessible and easy to use. Products like Google Alexa and Siri, smart lightbulbs and heating, as well as home sensors and GPS trackers have many benefits that can be used in additional ways to their original purpose. Find out more about assistive technology in Sunderland.

Adaptations to your home

Sunderland Care and Support's Home Improvement Agency (opens new window) works in partnership with occupational therapists to adapt homes to enable access to essential facilities for people who have disabilities. Disabled Facilities Grant funding may be available to provide stairlifts, ramps and other kinds of adaptation and an occupational therapist will work with you to assess whether you are eligible to receive support.

The Home Improvement Agency also provide a handy person's service that will do some of the smaller jobs around the home that become difficult as people get older or experience disability. The agency will provide energy efficiency advice and signposting to help keep people warm and safe within their home and reduce fuel poverty.

The Community Therapy Service

The Community Therapy Service helps people live a more enjoyable and independent life.

There are a number of teams who work with adults and children who have disabilities and help them to find ways of living independently by learning new skills, adapting their home environment, or finding specialist equipment to keep people safe, well and fulfilled.

The team can support people living in their own homes or in care homes and can provide rehabilitation including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, falls management and support to people who need rehousing as a result of their disability or long-term health condition.

An assessment from the Community Therapy Service may facilitate access to specialist equipment, assistive technology and adaptations to your home.

Start your assessment with the Community Therapy Service:

Complete a referral to the Community Therapies Service

Once the team has received your information, someone will be in touch with you to agree the next steps.